Going to Quarter Master BOLC in April. What should I expect?

2015-12-09T09:02:32-05:00

I'm going to QM BOLC in APRIL...17th I report. Any recent graduates of the QM course have any advice on material to study up on? I've heard that the Land-Nav is in pairs?!? What were the most challenging parts of the course? Just trying to get a leg up on the material!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 9 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-12-09T12:38:36-05:00

I am surprised nobody else has responded 1LT Private RallyPoint Member. When I went though IOBC in 1980 dismounted Land Nav was an individual event. The most challenging thing about land nav for me was night land nav at Fort Benning because of the thick undergrowth.
If you are very comfortable with using a compass and map land nav should not be too much of a problem - ensure no iron objects get close to your compass :-) That was more of an issue when we were wearing steel pots.
If your QM BOLC course includes vehicle land nav that would make sense to be conducted in groups.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 12:48 PM

2015-12-09T12:48:15-05:00

I attended QMBOLC from March til June of this year and it wasn't really difficult. They have some really great instructors there who actually want you to succeed as an Officer. Yes land-nav is in pairs and the course is actually pretty easy. The most challenging part is probably the Tactics weeks since you are working with Officers from both Ordinance and Transportation for a few weeks, its not really hard, more frustrating. Be prepared to run a lot, at least me class did. Pay attention to TACLOG, which will be one of the first blocks of instruction you receive, its a major component in the Capstone assignment at the end. Also you will have an opportunity to volunteer for a position such as Class Leader, XO or a staff position. I would highly recommend volunteering for S-3, you will always know whats going on before anyone else and can stay ahead.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Dec 9 at 2015 6:27 PM

2015-12-09T18:27:11-05:00

its been a minute since I attended OBC.
Now that you are a 2LT, this isn't a test. People want you to succeed and will generally help you where you need it. You are either PCS or TDY to Fort Lee, and the Army needs you to graduate so that you can be useful to the Army.
My point being, don't let it keep you up at night. To answer your question, read the regs that they assign (reading regs will probably put you to sleep, but....).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 10:38 AM

2015-12-10T10:38:27-05:00

Been a couple years since I attended ...
As far as land nav - pick a partner that will fill in for your weakness (map reading or pace count). I had an Afganistan partner and his was superior at his pace count in meters which made things so much easier. I doubt the points have changed much. There were 2 that were close but most are so far apart it is hard to be wrong if you are headed in the right direction.
As far as the rest, if you pay attention, take notes, and review before the tests you should be fine.
My favorite part was learning the MOSes and getting hands on training.
Good Luck

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 11:18 AM

2015-12-28T11:18:25-05:00

The most challenging part of QMBOLC is staying disciplined. If you attended OCS where TACs were constantly in your face, the this will be heaven for you. Study, and try not to drink too much. Once you pass APFT you're good. Land nav is too dam easy.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-12-29T19:11:03-05:00

Compared with OCS, the only tough training will be staying awake, after blunt Power point trauma. That can easily award you the coveted Power Point Ranger Tab. Sorry I didn't get to earned it. Jaja.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 11:54 AM

2016-01-05T11:54:10-05:00

Here are two sites you can visit to learn more about Quartermaster Basic Office Leader Course. The FACEBOOK page will show current and past classes activities and events. The Army Logistics University link will give you specific dates/times/locations for your class. To include a packing list, training overview, uniforms and other important data. Hope this helps.
https://www.facebook.com/QuartermasterBOLC/?fref=ts and/ or http://www.alu.army.mil/ALU_STDINFO/BOLC_QM.htm.

Quartermaster Basic Officer Leadership Course

Quartermaster Basic Officer Leadership Course, Fort Lee, Virginia. 128 likes · 3 talking about this. This page is intended as a place for incoming and...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 11:58 AM

2016-02-23T11:58:31-05:00

I just graduated last September. Landnav was in buddy teams, and the course was easy. I really wouldn't worry about the tactical side of the training. That stuff is easy. The presentations are what will get you, and the CAPstone assignment was brutal. I don't think I slept for 4 days straight preparing for that presentation. If you can get some examples from a previous class that will help you out a lot, but it still takes a lot of planning and preparation to make your slides presentable. Good luck!!